A milestone in the history of Japanese cruises. The Japanese cruise market is experiencing strong growth, with a projected 14.2% increase in 2024 and a total of 224,100 passengers, driving post-pandemic tourism.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 74 – September 2025
Japan is a major player in the Asian cruise market, notable for its number of port calls and its role as a source of passengers in the region. Cruises to Japan offer itineraries focused on the central and southern islands, with key ports such as Fukuoka/Hakata, Nagasaki, Okinawa, Yokohama, and Ishigaki.
The ASUKA III, recently delivered by the German shipyard Meyer Werft, represents a true rebirth for Japanese cruise tourism. With its 52,265 gross tons, 230 meters in length, and capacity for 740 passengers, it stands as the largest Japanese cruise ship built in 34 years.
The handover ceremony took place on April 10, 2025, with the participation of Hiroyuki Endo (then president of NYK CRUISES) and Bernd Eikens (CEO of Meyer Werft), who symbolized the transfer with the traditional flag change.
Elegant design and Japanese culture:
The interior of the ASUKA III offers a harmonious blend of spacious, modern design and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Particularly noteworthy are the fresco by Hiroshi Senju in the Gallery Café and the works of Reiji Hiramatsu in the Noblesse restaurant, both located on Deck 6.
In addition, the crew areas and the clinic have received Allergy Friendly Building (AFBA) certification, thanks to carefully selected materials, ventilation systems, and cleaning agents.
Advanced technology and eco-efficiency:
The ASUKA III is powered by LNG, one of the cleanest marine fuels, and its tri-fuel engines also allow the use of diesel or fuel oil. It has shore power and can reach speeds of up to 20 knots.
It also incorporates "pod" type thrusters and a dynamic positioning system (DP) that facilitates delicate maneuvers and precise docking, as well as an electrical connection to shore to reduce the use of internal generators.
These technical innovations make the ship "one of the most energy-efficient ever built," according to Meyer Werft.
Travel experience designed for comfort.
Despite having similar dimensions to the ASUKA II, the ASUKA III offers fewer seats to provide more space per passenger.
While the Asuka II offers overnight cruises, the Asuka III does not, offering only multi-day cruises so guests can enjoy more time in their cabins and social areas. In addition, to meet the growing demand from solo travelers, single cabins have been implemented.
The interior offers a harmonious combination of spacious modern areas and traditional Japanese aesthetics
Penthouse suites range from 33 m² to 114 m², while balcony cabins range from 19.4 m² to 22 m². Remarkably, 47 of these suites are themed to represent the 47 prefectures of Japan, showcasing local crafts and regional beverages.
ASUKA III features six restaurants, nine bars and cafes (one serves as an art gallery and the other as a library), lounges, a casino, a golf simulator, a sports track, a three-story atrium, shops, a theater, a wellness area, and a swimming pool.
The Asuka Plaza atrium stands out, dominated by a piano and a glass staircase; it's a social space filled with sofas and armchairs, surrounded by shops. Several of the restaurants project a warm and intimate atmosphere, in keeping with Japanese tastes.
Domestic and international itineraries
The inaugural season began in July 2025, with routes including more than 30 Japanese destinations: Hakodate, Otaru, Takamatsu, Shingu, Muroran, Moji… and the featured 11-night cruise around Japan, which departs from Yokohama in August and passes through Kanazawa, Maizuru, Beppu and other ports before returning.
Future plans include international routes to Singapore, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Once these routes are established, the Asuka II will be dedicated exclusively to domestic service.
Built with passion and vision,
the keel-laying ceremony took place on December 12, 2023, and the shipyard incorporated customized solutions for the Japanese market, such as spa areas tailored to local traditions. It was launched on January 18, 2025, at the Meyer Werft shipyard, followed by North Sea trials in March, culminating in delivery in April. The ASUKA III is not just another cruise ship: it represents a leap toward a new cruise culture in Japan, merging sustainability, technology, art, and Japanese tradition. A clear symbol of NYK Cruises' commitment to offering memorable, conscious, and culturally authentic experiences.
The NYK Group, through its cruise division NYK CRUISES (Yusen Cruise), operates the ships Asuka II and Asuka III. The Asuka II was formerly the Crystal Harmony, transferred to the NYK fleet in 2006 and renamed Asuka II. The Asuka III, on the other hand, is a new build delivered in April 2025, joining NYK's Japanese domestic cruise fleet.
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